22Synonyms found for constitution

Word Origin & History

constitution 1580s, "action of establishing," from Fr. constitution (12c.), from L. constitutionem (nom. constitutio) "act of settling, settled condition, anything arranged or settled upon, regulation, order, ordinance," from constitutus (see constitute). Used earlier (late 14c.) in now-obsolete sense "decree, ordaining." Meaning "way in which a thing is constituted" is from c.1600; that of "physical health, strength and vigor of the body" is from 1550s; of the mind, "temperament, character" from 1580s. Sense of "mode of organization of a state" is from c.1610; that of "system of principles by ...which a community is governed" dates from 1730s; esp. of a document of written laws since the U.S. and French constitutions, late 18c.